Multiorder impulse counter



vSept. 28, 1954 H. P. LUHN MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER 9 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR HANS P LUHN AGENT Filed Dec. 9, 1952 Sept. 28, 1954 H. P. LUHN MULTIORDEIR IMPULSE COUNTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 9, 1952 !NVENTOR HANS P LUHN Sept. 28, 1954 LUHN 2,690,298

MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER Filed Dec. 9, 1952 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 L 57 38 i: ,ss 7 i 73 104 56 53 1:8 T FIG 3 84 FIG. 4 66 1 28 K 7 'lllllllllllllllllll llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllIII 2 36 12s I W H INVENTOR HANS P. LUHN AGENT Sept. 28, LUHN MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 9, 1952 5 R 8 O U 5 6 6 7 T L 1 2 2 N r f r W P Til... S w m M n w .1 H A 3 O 2 O w 3 E 7 1.. Q (\Ill... a 5 3 5 [ti 1 w w m L H m WL V W 2 R v 3 1 9 3 8 M 4 m .H K 6 w 3 cw v H 2 j 2 g in H '1 n v w m H O 7 O M 5 O 4 4 8 1 8 5 8 1 8 9 .0

FIG. 7

AGENT Sept. 28, 1954 H. P. LUHN MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER 9 She'ets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 9, 1952 INVENTOR HANS' P. LUHN AGENT Sept. 28, 1954 LUHN' 2,690,298

' MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER Filed Dec. 9. 1952 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 O INVENTOR HANS R LUHN AGENT P 28, 1954 H. P. LUHN MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER.

Filed Dec. 9, 1952 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 mil NN min mmh NON Fmwmm m vx N3 P 28, 1954 H. P. LUHN 2,690,298

MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER Filed Dec. 9, 1952 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR HANS P. LUHN (9 BY m 00 m M LL 8 9 2 AGENT Sept. 28, 1954 H. P. LUHN MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER Patented Sept. 28, 1954 MULTIORDER IMPULSE COUNTER Hans P. Luhn, Armonk, N. Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 9, 1952, Serial No. 324,994

11 Claims.

This invention relates to electro-mechanical counting devices and more particularly to improvements in electrical impulse controlled counting devices of the power driven type.

A preferred embodiment of the invention may comprise a so-called contact plate formed of an insulating material and supported on a frame member by suitable spacers. Arranged between the frame and the insulating plate are a plurality of counters, each counter relating to a specific numeric order. Each counter includes two shafts which project through suitable openings in the insulating plate. Secured to each of the shafts for rotation therewith are two spring wipers or contactors, one bearing against the inner side of the plate and one bearing against the outer side of the plate. Embedded in the surfaces of the insulating plate around each of the shafts are groups of contact inserts, diametrically opposite pairs of inserts of each group being adapted for engagement by the related contactor dependent upon the angular displacement of the associated shaft. The contact inserts of each group are assigned a predetermined numerical significance and are electrically interconnected to the corresponding contact inserts of the other orders by circuitry also embedded in the insulating plate. In this manner, the majority of the required circuitry for a multi-order counting device is contained in the contact plate itself.

The shafts associated with each counter are displaced angularly in steps by operatively coupling them to continuously reciprocating driving means, this coupling action taking place by a novel electro-mechanical mechanism which itself is controlled by electrical read in pulses from suitable source. The contactors associated with each shaft are locked thereto by a novel floating mechanism so that they are able to maintain positive contact with their related Contact inserts under conditions of wear, fiexure or warpage of the contact plate or wear of the contact inserts themselves. The net result of these various features is a compact multi-order counting device which is reliable in operation, simple in construction, small in size, and requires a minimum of circuitry external to the counter itself.

An object of the invention is to provide an imroved counting device of the power driven and electrical impulse controlled type.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plural order counting device of unitary construction and small overall size.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plural order counting device having a nonconductive member in which are embedded groups of contact points and a majority of the required connecting circuitry for the device.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plural order counting device having simple and ei'licient driving means.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plural order counting device having a common insulating plate in which are embedded various groups of conductive contact points and allied circuitry and having novel floating wipers which are constructed so as to maintain positive contact with the desired contact points of the plate under conditions of wear, ilexure, and warpage of the plate or wear of the contact points. themselves.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated the accompanying drawings, which discloses, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle,

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a six order counting device with some parts being broken away or omitted completely to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the plane of the line 33 of Fig. 1, with all omitted and broken away parts of Fig. 1 being restored.

Fig. 4is a horizontal sectional view taken on the plane of the line i-4 of Fig. 1, with all omitted and broken away parts of Fig. 1 being restored.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the plane of the line 55 of Fig. l, with all omitted and broken away parts of Fig. 1 being restored.

Fig. 6 is a right hand elevational view of the lower half of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1, with all omitted and broken away parts of Fig. 1 being restored.

Fig. '7 is a right hand elevational view of the upper half of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1, with all omitted and broken away parts of Fig. 1 being restored.

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the common contact plate of the six order counting device.

Fig. 9 is a rear elevational View of the common contact plate of the six order counting device.

Figs. 10A, 10B, and 10C comprise a diagrammatic circuit representation of the six order counting device with necessary additional circuitry being indicated so as to achieve a complete six order accumulating machine.

Fig. ll is an electrical and mechanical timing chart of the six order accumulating machine.

Referring to Figs. 1, 6, and '7, the accumulating device comprises a rigid frame i5 having a main plate i5 and an integral extension I! which is spaced from and projects parallel to the lower part of the main plate. A so-called contact plate I8 formed of an insulating material is supported parallel to the remaining part of the main plate [6 by means of spacers 28.

Arranged in the channel formed between the main plate It and the extension 1'! of the frame is the drive mechanism for the accumulating device. The drive mechanism comprises a power shaft 2! which is journaled in the main plate It and the extension H. The power shaft projects outwardly beyond the extension 5'! and is operatively linked to any suitable driving source (not shown) so that the shaft is continuously rotated counterclockwise in Fig. 1. A gear 22 secured to the power shaft 2! drives a gear 23 and its associated shaft 24 which is journaled in the frame IS in the same manner as shaft 2|. The gear 23 in turn drives a gear 26 secured to a sleeve 2? (see Fig. 5) which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 28, the latter being secured to the frame l5.

Mounted for rotation with the sleeve 21 is a cam 38 having four lobes which act to rock a bellcrank follower 3| about a pivot shaft 32 carried by the frame. Connected between the follower 3| and a stud 34 secured to the main plate 16 is a spring 35 which biases the bellcrank follower so as to maintain a roller 36, carried by one arm of the bellcrank, in continuous engagement with the cam. Pivotally connected to the other arm of the bellcrank is a bar 38 which extends between the contact plate l8 and the main plate IS. The bar 38 is reciprocably guided at its upper end in a guide block 39 (Fig. 7) secured to the main plate Hi. The accumulating device functions on a 14 point machine cycle as indicated in Fig. 11, and the bar is reciprocated vertically once during the latter part of each point of the machine cycle. The bar is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in its normal or extreme upward position. With the exception of carry operations from one order of the accumulating device to a next higher order, the reciprocation of the bar 38 supplies the motive power for the entry of digital values into the counter.

The accumulating device includes six counting positions or orders ranging from a units counting position up to and including a hundred thousands counting position. The units order mech anism is generally designated 4| in Fig. 1, the tens order counting mechanism is generally designated 42, and the hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, and hundred thousands order positions are generally designated 43, 44, 45, and 45 respectively. Secured to the main plate I6 at each counting position is an electro-magnet 48 which controls the operation of that particular order counting mechanism. It will be noted that the magnet 48 includes two control coils 48A and 483. An impulsing of either of these coils effects an energization of the magnet 48.

When the magnet 48 is unenergized, an associated armature 49 is biased by an armature return spring 50 so that it is positioned as indicated in Fig. l, and as indicated for the upper counting mechanism in Fig. 2. With the armature in this particular position, its end is adapted to engage an arm 52 of a related lever 53 for holding the latter against rotation in a counterclockwise direction around its pivot shaft 5a. A spring 55 connected between the lever 53 and a spring stud 51 carried by the main plate i5 continually biases the lever in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. 2. It will be noted in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 that each pivot shaft 55' is carried by a multi-slotted block 58 which is secured to the main plate l6. The lever 53 is guided in one of the slots of the block so that lateral movement of the lever is prevented.

Projecting laterally from the bar 33 at each counting position is a pin 58. Each of the pins 60 projects above an extending arm 5! of the related lever 53. When a lever 53 is latched by an armature 49 and the bar occupies its extreme upward position as in 2, there is a clearance between the arm ti and its associated pin 80. With the lever latched, the arm is contacted by the corresponding pin only when the bar 38 is in its lowest position. Thus the reciprocation of the bar 38 has no effect on a lever 53 as long as its associated magnet remains unenergized.

Pivotally mounted on each lever 53 is a pawl 62 which is adapted for cooperation with a re lated ratchet wheel 83. The ratchet wheel is secured to a collar 54 (Fig. 4) which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 66 carried by the plate it. With the lever 53 in its latched position, the related pawl 62 is positioned relative to the corresponding ratchet wheel as indicated in the upper part of Fig. 2. As will be later evident, a magnet 48 may be impuised only when the bar 38 occupies its extreme upward position. Consequently, upon the energization of a magnet 48, the movement of its armature 49 unlatches the related lever 53 which is then urged clockwise in Fig. 2 until its arm 5| engages the related pin 60 on the bar. The lower lever 53 in Fig. 2 is shown in this latter position. As a lever 53 assumes this position, the associated pawl t2 ratchets over one tooth of the ratchet wheel 63 and assumes the position indicated. A spring biased detent pawl 88 cooperates with the related wheel 63 to prevent clockwise rotation of the wheel. Thereafter as the bar 38 moves downward, the unlatched lever 53 is rotated clockwise in Fig. 2.

As the lever 53 rotates, the pawl 62 rotates the wheel 63 counterclockwise around its shaft 55 until the nose of the pawl engages a stop portion 18 of a member H. One end of the member H is pivotally mounted on the shaft 58, while the other end is slotted as indicated. A screw 12 threaded into a stud 73 on the main plate 15, extends through the slotted end of the member H and normally locks the member securely to the frame l5. By loosening the screw T2, the member H may be displaced on the shaft to eifect an adjustment of the stop portion '58 relative to the related pawl 82. By proper adjustment of the member H, the throw of the related pawl 82 on a downward movement of the bar 38 is accurately limited to effect an exact single tooth advance of the wheel 83. As the bar 38 restores upwardly to its normal position, each unlatched lever 53 is relatched by the armature 49 of the related control magnet 48 which is unenergized at that particular time. It will be appreciated that by successively impulsing a control magnet 48, each downward movement of the bar 38 effects a single tooth advance of the related wheel 63.

Each ratchet wheel 63 operates to count in values represented by :holes at rcard index points in a corresponding column :of successive record cards. The record cards utilized :may the conventional vIBM cards having 80 parallel columns of perforation receiving areas with .12 index points per column. The index points are designated 9, -8, 7, :6, 5, 2, 1, 0, l1, and dzgthe index points 9 to 0 being defined as the numeric index points, and the 11 and 12 index points being defined as the control index points. Anum'ber is represented in any particular columnof the :rec- 0rd by punching a hole in that column at the desired numeric index point.

' Entry of numeric data into [the accumulating device is effected by advancing the record We edge first between a line of sensing brushes 1.5 (Fig. A) and a rotatably mounted contact roll 16, and thereafter between a line of sensing brushes 1-! and a rotatably mounted contact roll l8. As the record is advanced between the brushes 75 and the roll i6,'the 1.1 and .12 control index point positions of the record are sensed. As a result of the sensing of the control index points of the card, various circuits are activated in :a manner to be explained :for controlling the operation of the accumulating :device. Thereafter as the record moves between the brushes 1-! and the contact roll 18, the numeric index points -9 to '0 are sensed thus effecting the actual entry of the .punched numeric data into the accumulating device. The contact rolls 16 and 18 are spaced apart a distance equal to one complete machine cycle of 14 index points. This is a distance slightly larger than the Width of the record cards utilized. Thus the control operations determined by the punching at the 11 and 12 index pointsof arecord-card are set up during the latter part of the cycle preceding the cycle during which the numeric index points of that card are sensed.

The record cards are advanced past the brushes l5 and l"! by means of conventional mechanism (:not shown) which is operatively linked with and timed to the power shaft 21. The record advancing mechanism is "so timed that the index points of each record are sensed during a specific index point of the machine cycle as indicated in Fig. 11. When a numeric hole in a record card is sensed as the recordmoves between the brushes 1'! and the roller 78, a circu'itis completed through the hole on the card to effect an 'energizat'ion of the corresponding magnet 48 at that point in the machine cycle and at each of the remaining numeric index points to be sensed. The manner in which this action is effected will be described later in connection with the circuit description. Since the magnet 48 is pulsed for each index point of the record from the hole sensed until "the '0 index point position of the record moves past the sensing brushes =71, then the corresponding lever 53 is rocked by the reciprocation of the bar 38 to advance the related ratchet wheel 63 counterclockwise a number of teeth equal in number to the number 'of value of the hole in the'record.

Referring to Figs. 3, 4 and 7, it will be noted that rotatably mounted on the other end of each shaft is a bushing like member 80 formed of an insulating material. The bushing includes integral extending fingers 8| which are adapted to engage suitable openings in a 'disc like extension SE of the collar. As a result of this construction, the bushing 'is linked to and adapted for rotation with the collar 64 and its "associated ratchet wheel 63. The bushing extends through an'aligned clearance opening in the contact plate [8 and projects beyond the plate as indicated in Figs. '4 and '7. Locked to the outer end of the bushing for rotation therewith is a spring contactor 84.

The contactor 584 comprises a rigid ring portion 85 (Fig. 1) and two extending flexible contact portions 86 which are adapted to bear against the contact plate [8. It will be noted that the contact iportions =86 extend diametrically opposite to each other. Each spring contactor is locked to its related bushing by means of the following construction: Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, it will :be noted that the outer end of each bushing 86 comprises a flanged portion 68 which has a pair of slots 89 out completely therethrough at diametrically 0pposite points. The flange also includes a pair of recesses 93 cut in its inner face as indicated :in 3, the recesses being positioned diametrically opposite to each other. Each recess 95] is spaced 90 degrees circumferentially from the adjacent slots 89. Projecting in wardly from diametrically opposite points 'at the inner :edge of the ring portion of the spring contactor are integral tabs 91. The ring portion 85 itself has an inside diameter slightly larger than the'outside diameter of the flange 8.3 of the bushing 88. The 'contactor is secured to the bushing by first aligning the tabs '9! with the slots =89. -I'=he con'ta'ctor is then pressed toward the :plate until the tabs '9! are beyond the inner surface of the flange 88. Thereafter the contactor is rotated degrees until the tabs are aligned with the recesses 99. The contactor is then released and the flexible contact portions 85 acting against the plate 48 force the tabs into the recesses .99, thus locking the contactor to the bushing.

The spring conta'ctor associated with each bushing is adapted to connect a related common contact member 93 (Fig. 8) with any one of tendifferent contact inserts 8'4, the "contact memher and contact inserts being imbedded in the contact plate 18 as best indicated in Fig. 8. Each of the ten inserts 9c is indicative of one of the numerals 0 to '9, and, indicated in Fig. 8, is electrically c'ommoned to the corresponding contacts of the other orders by suitable circuitry imbedded in the contact plate.

A spring contactor 95, identical to 'contactor 84 is also secured to each bushing 39 and is adapted to bear against the inner side of the contact plate 4'8 best indicated in Figs. 3, 4, and 7 The contact-or 95 is locked to the bush ing by the engagement of tabs, similar to the tabs 81 of the contractor "84, with matching slots in a shouldered portion 96 of the bushing. he con tactor 95 is displaced 90 degrees on the bushing Bi] from the contacts-r 8d and as a result, the contact portions St of the contac'tor 2'4 and the contact portions of the contactor 95 engage the plate t8 at 4 equally spaced points. Imbedded in the inner side of the contact plate at each counter position, as shown in Fig. 9, are diametrically opposite contact points 98 and 39, and diametrically opposite contact points and mi. The contactor 'S5 is adapted to connect contact points '98 and 9.) when the related contactor fit is connecting the common contact 93 with the contact insert 94 representative or the numeral '9. Similarly the contactor 55 connects the contact points I06 and [EH when the related contactor 84 his connecting the common contact as with the contact insert '94 representative "of the numeral 0.

:It be noted in Fig. 4 that the fingers 8-1 are slightly smaller than their mating openings in the disc extension 82 so that the bushing 80 actually floats on the shaft 65. As a result of this floating mounting, the contactors 84 and 95 are free to adjust themselves to any warpage or bending of the contact plate I8, thus insuring that positive contact is always maintained between each contactor and its respective side of the plate.

A carry operation from one order or position of the counter to the next higher order is effected by means of the following construction. At each counting position is a carry lever I03 pivotally mounted on the shaft 54 and guided in one of the slots of the block 58. The carry lever is continually biased counterclockwise in Fig. 2 by a spring I04 connected between the lever and a member I05, the latter being rotatably mounted on the shaft 54 at the next higher counting position and guided in a slot of the associated block 58. As a result, a follower arm I06 of the carry lever I03 normally bears against a cam portion I08 of the related collar 54 as shown in the upper part of Fig. 2. Formed on this portion of the collar are two lobes I09, one for each ten teeth of the associated ratchet wheel 63. As one of the lobes I09 comes under the arm I06, the lever I03 is rocked counterclockwise in Fig. 2 to disengage an integral shoulder IIO from an arm I I2 of the previously mentioned member I05. As a result, the member I05 is swung counterclockwise around its pivot 54 by the spring I04 until the arm II2 engages a second shoulder II3 of the carry lever I03 as shown in the lower part of Fig. 2. The lobes I08 of the cam portion I08 and. the associated spring contactor 84 are so positioned relative to each other on the shaft 05 that when the contactor connects the common contact 93 to the contact 04, one of the lobes I08 is engaging the arm I06.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4., it will be noted that a bushing II4 formed of an insulating material is rotatably mounted on each of the shafts 54. This bushing is locked to the adjacent member I for movement therewith by the engagement of integral extending fingers II5 with mating openings in the member I05. The bushing II4 extends through an aligned clearance opening in the plate and projects beyond the plate as indicated. In a manner identical to the manner by which the previously mentioned contactors 84 and 95 are locked to the bushing 80, contactors I I1 and I I8 are locked to the bushing H4. The extending fingers II5 of the bushing are slightly smaller than the mating openings in the member I05 so that the bushing II4 floats on the shaft 54 in the same manner as the bushing 80 floats on the shaft 56. The contactor II? which bears against the inner side of the contact plate I8 is adapted to normally connect so associated contact point II9 imbedded therein with a similarly imbedded contact point I20. The contactor II! is positioned on the bushing II4 relative to the member I05 so that the contact H9 is connected to the contact I20 when the member I05 is latched on the shoulder IIO of the carry lever I03. However, when the member I05 is displaced so that the arm II2 engages the shoulder II3 which results from the related wheel 63 being advanced through its 0 position as previously explained, the contactor H1 is adapted to interconnect contact points I2I and I22 also imbedded in the contact plate I8. With the contact point I 2I connected to the contact point I22, a circuit is completed therethrough during the 12th cycle point of the machine cycle in a manner to be later explained. The completion of this circuit eifects an impulsing of the magnet 48 of the next higher order counter thus adding a carry or a one into that position. The contactor H8 is displaced degrees on shaft 54 from the contactor II! and bears against the outer surface of the contact plate I8. The contactor I I8 serves only to complete the mechanical assembly and has no electrical function.

After the carry operation is completed, the member I05 is rocked clockwise from its carry position in Fig. 2 to relatch the arm II2 on the shoulder H0. The member I05 is restored by the following mechanism. Referring to Figs. 1 and 5, it will be noted that secured to the previously mentioned continuously driven shaft 24 is a second gear I25. The gear I25 is adapted to drive a gear I26 secured to a second sleeve I21 which is mounted on the shaft 28. Mounted for rotation with the gear I20 is a cam I28 having a single lobe which acts to rock a related bellcrank follower I30 about the previously mentioned shaft 32. A spring I33 connected between the follower I30 and the spring stud 34 biases the follower so as to maintain its roller I34 continually in contact with the cam I28. Pivotally connected to the follower I30 is a bar I35 which extends between the contact plate I8 and the frame I5, as indicated, and is reciprocably guided at its upper end in the previously mentioned guide block 39. Referring to Fig. 11, it will be noted that the cam I28 is adapted to reciprocate the bar I35 once during each machine cycle. The bar is reciprocated shortly after the completion of the carry operation during the 12th cycle point of the machine cycle.

Projecting laterally from the bar I35 at each counting position is a pin I35. If a member I05 is positioned with its arm II2 engaging the shoulder II3 of the related carry lever I03, as a result of a carry operation, the bar I 35, as it starts to move downward during the 12th cycle point of the machine cycle, engages one of its pins I36 with an arm I31 of the member I05. Further downward movement of the bar rocks the member I05 counterclockwise in Fig. 2 until the arm H2 is relatched on the shoulder IIO.

Circuits Referring to Figs. 10A, 10B, and 106. there is shown in diagrammatic form a circuit for controlling the operation of the accumulating device and for effecting readout therefrom to conventional electro-magnet controlled print devices. As previously explained, a great deal of the required circuitry for the device is provided by the embedded circuitry on the contact plate I8, as will be evident from a comparison of the circuit diagram with the plate. The circuitry on one side of the plate is electrically distinct from the circuitry on the other side of the contact plate except for the contact points H8 and I 2I. The contact point H9 at each counting position is electrically connected to an imbedded common circuit conductor I38 on the other side of the plate I8 by a suitable conductive eyelet (not shown) which extends through the plate. In a similar manner, the contact point I2I at each counting position is electrically connected to a. common conductor I38 on the other side of the plate. It will be noted in Figs. 8 and 9 that the various circuits on the plate I0 terminate at one edge thereof in enlarged contact areas I40. Individual spring contacts I4I engage 9 these areas and connect; them to the circuitry external to the contact plate.

Each of the contacts I42, I43, I44, I45, I46, and I48 shown in Fig. A are closed during specific intervals of the machine cycle, as indicated in Fig. 11, by a related cam which is operatively connected to and timed with the power shaft 2| by suitable mechanism (not shown). The purpose of each of the contacts I42 to I48 will be later evident.

It is believed that an understanding of the operation of the accumulating device and the associated circuit will be facilitated by reviewing a representative accumulate operation. Assume that a first record is perforated representative of the number +48, and a second record is perforated representative of the number +36, it being desired to accumulate these two numbers to achieve a total of 84. The two records will, of course, be perforated in corresponding columns. It is also necessary that each of the records be perforated in the 12 index position of the column of the record which will be sensed by the brush A of the control brushes I5. This brush may be arranged in alignment with any card column. The perforation in the 12 index point position in this column indicates that the number represented in the record is a positive number.

Referring to Figs. 10A and 11, it will be noted that the cam contact I44 is closed from the beginning of the thirteenth cycle point of each machine cycle until about the midpoint of the fourteenth cycle point. As a result, there is a circuit available during this interval from the power line I 5I through cam actuated contact I44 and a relay RI52 to ground. The energization of the relay RI52 effects a transfer of the associated contacts Rl52a which sets up a circuit from the cam contact I43, through the normally open side of contacts RI 52a, now closed, a conductor I54, a card lever contact I55, which is closed by the passage of the first record card between the contact roller I6 and the brushes i5, and finally to a common brush I56 which continually engages the contact roller I6. During the latter part of the thirteenth interval of the machine cycle, the closing of cam contact I43 completes a circuit from the power line I5I, through the precompleted circuit traced above to the common brush I56. At this particular time, the 12 index point perforation of the first record (that punched for the number 48) is being sensed by the 15A brush so that a circuit is completed from the power line I5I through the circuit previously traced to the brush I56, then through the 15A brush, a conductor I63 and the pick-up coil of an add control relay R164 to ground. The energization of the relay RI64 causes its normally open contacts RI64a to close, its contacts RI 64b to transfer, its normally open contacts RI54c to close, and its contacts RI64d to transfer. The closing of the contacts RI64a completes a circuit from the power line I5I through cam contact I45, now closed, and through the hold coil of the add relay RI64 to ground. Relay RI64 is held energized through cam contact I45 until the end of the twelve index point of the next machine cycle. After the add relay is energized as a result of the sensing of the twelve hole in the first record card, the record moves out of engagement with the roller I6 and into engagement with the roller I8.

As the first record card advances between the contact roller I8 and the line of brushes I1 during the second machine cycle, the following action takes place. It will be remembered that this record is perforated to represent the numeral 48.

The record advances between the roller and the brushes 9s edge first as previously explained. As the 8 index position of the record is sensed by the units brush IIA of the brushes 11 during the latter part of the third cycle point of the machine cycle, a circuit is completed from the power line I 5I through the cam contact I43, now closed, the normally closed side of the contacts RI 52a which are closed at this time as relay RI52 is unenergized through a conductor I59, a card lever contact I65, now closed by the record, a common brush [66 which engages the contact roll I8, the units brush I'IA of the brushes II, which is now engaging the contact roll through the perforation in the 8 index point position of that column of the record card, through the conductor I61 and the pick up coil of the units entry relay RI68 to ground. The energization of the relay RI68 causes its associated contacts RI68a to transfer and its normally open contacts RI68b to close. The closing of the contacts Rltitb completes a hold circuit for the relay RI68 from the power line I5I, through cam contact I45, now closed (see Fig. 11), conductor I69, the contacts RI68b and the hold coil of relay RI68 to ground. Relay RI68 is held energized until cam contact I45 opens at the end of the twelfth cycle point of this machine cycle.

During the machine interval when the relay R168 is energized and its contacts RI68a are transferred, counter entry pulses from cam contact I46 are delivered from the power line I5I, through cam contact I46, the normally open side of contacts Rl64b, now closed, the conductor I10, the conductor I1 I, the normally open side of contacts RIBSa, now closed, and through the coil 48A of control magnet 48 in the units order counter to ground. It will be evident from an examination of the timing chart in Fig. 11 that, as a result of the sensing of the perforation in the 8 index point of the record, the related units control magnet 48 is pulsed 8 times. Thus the associated ratchet wheel 63 is advanced 8 teeth in the manner previously explained. At the end of this ei ht tooth advance of the units ratchet, the associated contactor 84 is connecting the common contact insert 93 to the 8 insert 94 which signifies that the numeral 8 is now standing in the units order counter.

In a corresponding manner, the sensing of the 4 perforation by the tens brush IIB of the brushes 11 effects the energization of a related tens entry relay RIIZ during the latter part of the seventh cycle point of the same cycle. The tens entry relay is held energized through its own normally open contacts RIIZb and cam contact I45. With the tens entry relay energized, four counter entry pulses are delivered from cam contact I46 through the normally open side of the contacts RI 72a, now closed, to the control magnet 48 of the tens order counter. As a result of these four entry pulses, the tens order ratchet wheel 63 is advanced four teeth in the manner previously explained. At the end of this four tooth advance of the tens order ratchet, the associated contactor 84 is connecting the common insert 93 to the 4 insert 94 which signifies that the numeral 4 is now standing in the tens order counter.

During the second machine cycle when the numeric index points of the first record are being sensed by the brushes 11, the second record is passing between the brushes I5 and the contact roller I6. At the end of the twelfth cycle point of this machine cycle, the cam contact I45 opens thus deenergizing the add entry relay RI54, the

units entry control relay RI58, and the tens entry control relay RITZ, in the manner previously explained. However, during the following or thirteenth cycle point, the twelve index point of the second record card is sensed and since this is an add record, the sensing of the twelve hole by the brush 15A completes a circuit to again energize the add magnet RIM. As before, the add magnet is held energized through its own contacts "54a and cam contact I45 until the end of the twelfth cycle point of the next or third machine cycle.

During the third machine cycle, the numeric index points of the second record are sensed. It will be remembered that this record is perforated to represent the numeral 36. The sensing of the 6 hole in the units column of the record elfects a 6 tooth advance of the units order ratchet wheel in the manner previously explained. Thus, the related contactor 84, which it will be remembered was engaging the 8 insert as a result of the entry of an 8 during the previous cycle, is advanced six more positions from the 8 position. Thus the contactor is advanced from the 8 position, through the position, and finally into the position where the contactor is connecting the common insert 93 to the 4 insert 94. This indicates that the numeral 4 is now standing in the units counter. As the contactor 84 advances through the 0 position, a lobe I09 of the cam portion I98 of the associated collar 64 engages the follower arm I 96 of the related carry lever I93. As a result, the carry lever is rocked counterclockwise in Fig. 2 as previously explained thus disengaging its shoulder Hi) from the arm II2 of the associated carry member I05. The carry member I then swings counterclockwise around pivot 54 under the urging of spring I94 until the arm II2 engages the second shoulder I I3 of the carry lever Hi3. With the carry member I05 in this latter position, the operatively connected contactor I I1 is connecting the contact insert I2I to the contact insert I22. A carry circuit to the tens order add mechanism is completed through the contactor I I1 during the twelfth cycle point of this third machine cycle in a manner to be later explained.

The sensing of the 3 perforation in the tens column of the second record during the third cycle, effects a three tooth advance of the tens order ratchet wheel 63 in the manner previously explained. Thus, the operatively connected contactor 84, which it will be remembered was engaging the 4 insert 94 as a result of the entry of a 4 during the previous cycle, is advanced three more positions until it interconnects the related common insert 93 with the 7 insert 94. This indicates that a seven is now standin in the tens order counter. At the end of the eleventh cycle point of the third cycle, the number 74 is standing in the add device. This number is ten too low since the desired answer is 84. A ten or carry is entered into the tens order add device in the following manner.

During the first part of the twelfth cycle point of the third machine cycle, the previously mentioned cam contact I48 closes momentarily to complete a circuit from the power line I5I through cam contact I48, the normally open side of contacts RISIId, now closed as add relay RI64 is still being held energized at this time, through the normally closed side of contacts RII4c of a relay I14, the conductor I75, the normally closed side of contacts RI I61 of a relay RI 16, conductor I11, a spring connector I4I engaging the appropriate contact area I40 (Fig. 9) of the contact plate I8, and a conductive circuit insert I18 on the plate I3 leading to the contact insert IZI of the units order counter. The spring contactor II! of the units order counter is now in a position to interconnect the contact inserts I2I and I22, and so the above circuit is completed through the conductive circuit insert I19, another spring connector I4I engaging the related contact area !49, a conductor I89, the normally closed side of the contacts R I 56g, the conductor I8 I, through the carry coil 48B of the control magnet 48 of the tens order counter to ground. The momentary energization of the magnet 48 effects a single tooth advance of the related ratchet 63 thus advancing its contactor 84 from its 7 to its "8 position. It will be noted in Fig. 100 that if the tens order counter had been standing at 9 rather than '7, the related contactor would have been connecting contact inserts 98 and 99. Thus, the carry pulse in addition to effecting an energization of the control magnet 48 in the tens order position, would have also passed over the contactor 95 of the tens order counter to the coil 49B of the hundreds order control magnet. In this manner, the carry pulse is extended to the higher order counters when required.

At the same time that the tens order ratchet Wheel is being advanced to effect carry in the example cited, the units order carry member I95 is reset as previously explained by the reciprocation of the bar I35. Thus, at the end of the third machine cycle, the desired total of 84 is represented in the accumulate device.

Subtraction Operations with negative numbers are effected in the accumulate devices by the well-known 9s complement method. A negative number is represented in a record in the same true number form as a positive number. However, a negative number card dilfers from a positive number card in that it contains a sign control perforation in the twelve index point position of its column which is to be sensed by the brush 15B rather than in the column which is sensed by the brush 15A. The brush 153 may be arranged to sense any column other than that sensed by brush 15A.

As a representative subtract operation assume that 37 is to be subtracted from the previously accumulated sum of 84 to give a difference value of +4.7. To effect this operation, a third record card is provided which is perforated to represent 37 and is also perforated in the 12 index point position of its column which is to be sensed by brush I513.

During the 12 cycle point of the machine cycle when the third record moves under the brush I513, a circuit is completed from the power line I5I, through the cam contact I43, the normally open side of the contact RI52a, now closed, the card lever contact I55, now closed, the common brush lit, the contact roll 76, the brush 15B, a eonductor I83 and the pick-up coil of the negative entry control relay RIM to ground. I'he energization of relay RIM causes its normally open contacts RIMa to close, its normally open contacts RI 34b to close, and its normally closed contacts R5140 to open. The closing of the contacts RIMa completes a hold circuit for the relay through cam contact I45. Relay BI! is held energized until cam contact I45 opens at the end of the twelfth cycle point of the followin machine cycle.

As a result of the closing of the contacts RI 14b, counter entry pulses from cam contact I46 are directed to each of the control magnets 48 of the accumulate device during the next machine cycle. This circuit extends from the power line I5I through cam contact I46, the normally closed side of contacts Rl64b, the contacts RII4b to the common conductor I85. Each of the control magnets 48 of the counting device is connected to the common conductor I85 through the normally closed a contacts of its related entry magnet R I 68, RI I2 etc. During the time that the counter entry pulses from contacts I46 are being directed to the control magnets of the counting device, the third record card is being advanced index point by index point past the brushes 'II. Upon the sensing of a numeric perforation in a specific column of the record, the related entry magnet RIBS, RII'2, etc., is energized in the same manner as previously explained. .The resultant openin of the normally closed side of the associated a contacts, disconnects the control magnet 48 of that particular order mechanism from the common conductor I85 to prevent the remaining entry pulses from cam contact I46 in that cycle from impulsing that control magnet 48. By examination of Fig. 11, it will be appreciated that this type of operation effects the advance of each ratchet wheel 63 a number of teeth equal to the 9s complement of the number represented in the corresponding column of the record card. Thus,

in our particular example, 999962 which is the 9s complement of the card value 37 is entered into the accumulator during the counter entry portion of the second machine cycle. Since the accumulator contained 000084 prior to this operation, the entry of 999962 therein effects the sum 999946 as indicated below:

It will be noted that the entry of 6 into the tens order counter advances it through to its 4 position. As the tens order counter advances through zero, the associated carry contactor II! is operated to interconnect associated contact inserts I2I and I22. Also as the hundreds, thousands, ten thousands and hundred thousands order counters advance to their 9 position, the contactors 95 of each of these counters interconnects the associated contact inserts 98 and 99.

With the contactors Ill and 95 in the above described position, the closing of cam contact I48 during the twelfth cycle point of the second machine cycle completes a carry circuit from the power line I5 I, through cam contact I48, the normally closed side of contacts Rl64d, the conductor I15, the normally closed side of contacts RIIGi, conductor [17, a Spring connector I4I engaging the appropriate contact area I49 (Fig. 9) of the contact plate I8, the conductive circuit insert I18 on the plate I8 leadin to the contact insert I2I of the units order counter, the common circuit insert I39 on the plate I8 (Fig. 8) to the contact insert I2I of the tens order counter, through the associated contactor III to the contact insert I22, through the conductive circuit insert 220, another Spring connector I4I engaging the related contact area I40, a conductor 22 I, the normally closed side of the contacts RI'IBJ to the carry coil 48b of the control magnet 48 of the thousands order counter. Since the thousands order counter also contains 9, the carry pulse is extended from the contact insert 229 to the thousands order contact insert 99, the thousands order contactor 95, the related contact insert 98, the normally closed side of the contacts RI I6e to the carry coil 48B of the control magnet 48 of the ten thousands order counter. The tens thousands order counter also contains 9 so the carry pulse is similarly extended to impulse control magnet 48 of the hundred thousands order counter. As the hundred thousand counter itself also contains a 9, the carry pulse is similarly extended therethrough to the related contact insert 93, through a conductive insert 233 of the plate I8, a spring connector I4! engaging the related contact area I49, a conductor 224, the normally closed side of contacts RI (9i to the carry coil 58B of the control magnet 48 of the units order counter. As a result of the energization of the carry coils 48B of the units, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, and hundred thousands order counters, a carry (one) is entered in each of the related counters as indicated below. Consequently at the end of the carry operation, the accumulator is indicating +47 which is the desired difference value of 84-37.

Counter readout When desired, the total represented in the accumulate device may be read out to obtain a printed indication. This is effected by depressing a total key I81 indicated in Fig. 10A. With the total key depressed, the closing of the cam contact I43 at the mid-point of the thirteenth machine interval of that machine cycle completes a circuit from the power line I5I through the cam contact I43, the normally open side of the contacts RI52a, now closed, conductor I54, the total key contact IN, the conductor I88 and a total relay RI89 to ground. The energization of relay Rl89 causes its normally open contacts RI89a to close, its normally open contacts RI89Z2 to close, its contacts RI89c to transfer, and its contacts RI89d to transfer. The closing of the contacts RI89a completes a circuit from the power line I5I through cam contact I45, the contacts Rl89a, and through the hold coil of relay RI89 to ground. Relay RI89 is held energized through cam contact I45 until the end of the twelfth machine interval of the following machine cycle, which is the actual total cycle.

With the contact RI89b closed, timed pulses from cam contact I43 are applied to the common brush I9I (Fig. 103) of an emitter I92 dur ing the total cycle by a circuit extendin from the power line I5I through the cam contact I43, when closed, the contacts RI89b, now closed, through the conductor I93 to the common brush I9I of the emitter I92. The emitter I92 contains ten segments I94 each of which is representative of a particular numeral 0 to 9. common brush I9I is operatively linked to and timed with the power shaft 2| by suitable mechanism (not shown) so that each segment is engaged by the brush I 9| from slightly before until slightly after the related interval when the cam contact I43 is closed. This is indicated in Fig. 11. Each segment I94 is connected by a conduc- The tor I95 to a related transfer contact RIS'Ib to RIs'llc of a so-called balance invert relay RIS'I. With the relay RIQ'? unenergized, a circuit is available from each segment I94 through a conductor 95 and the corresponding normally closed side of the related contacts [91?) to k to a related common conductive circuit insert I98-0 to 9 on the contact plate I8 (Fig. 8). Each insert I538 is in turn connected to the same relative contact insert st of each of the six counters of the device, as indicated in Fig. 8 and as previously explained. The common contact insert 93 of each counter of the device is connected by an individual conductor I99 to one terminal of a related electro-magnet 266, the other terminal of the magnet being connected to ground. Each of the magnets 2 3i} controls the setting of an associated print device (not shown). Each print device may comprise a conventional type bar (not shown) similar to that of the H. P. Luhn Patent 2,577,085, the bar having numerals O to 9 sequentially arranged thereon. The type bar is operatively linked to the power shaft 2I in any suitable manner and is adapted to move its type elements successively past a printing line in synchronism with the engagement of the brush I9I with successive segments of the emitter 592. By this arrangement, a pulse is applied to each of the print magnets at a differential time in the total cycle as determined by the number represented in that counter. This timed pulse applied to the magnet 2M3 arrests the related type bar in a well-known way with the desired numeral slug in printing position.

For example, in the previously explained accumulate example a total of 84 resulted from the accumulation of a8 and 36. The 4 in the units order counter is read out as follows. When cam contact I43 closes during the latter portion of the seventh cycle point of the total read out machine cycle, a circuit extends from the power line I5I through cam contact I43, the contacts RI89b, now closed, the conductor I93, the common brush I9I of the emitter, the 4 segment I94 0f the emitter, the 4 conductor I95, the normally closed side of the contacts RIQ'I the 4 circuit insert I93 of the contact plate I8 to the 4 contact insert 9 3 of the units order counter, the associated spring contactor 84, the related common contact insert 3, through the related conductor I99 and the associated print control magnet 206 to ground. The energization of the magnet 2% arrests the movement of the associated print bar with its 4 type slug positioned at the print line. The numeral 8 represented in the tens order counter is read out in a corresponding manner thus arresting its related type bar with the 8 type slug positioned at the print line. Printing is effected at the end of the total cycle, in a wellknown manner, by simultaneously forcing the print line positioned type slugs of the type bars against an inked ribbon and a blank backing record.

Readout conversion of negative numbers It will be appreciated that if the total standing in the accumulate device is a negative number, it will be represented therein in complement form rather than true number form. In order to read a complement number out of the accumulate device in true number form, a conversion operation is required. This operation is effected in the following manner. When a total operation is initiated by the depression of the total key I81, the

hundreds thousands counter is tested to determine if there is a 9 setting therein. If there is a 9 in this order, which signifies that the number in the accumulate device is a negative number, a conversion is effected. This 9s test operation is effected during the latter part of the cycle preceding the actual total readout cycle. The 9s test circuit extends from the power line I5! through cam contact I44, the normally open side of contacts RISficZ, now closed as a result or" the energization of relay RI89 by the depression oi the total key, the conductor 262 to the contact insert 98 of the highest order counter, the related contactor 95, which interconnects the contact insert 98 to contact insert Q9 when a 9 is standing in that order counter, the related conductor insert 2&3 on the plate I8, the conductor Z64, normally open side of the contacts RIBQC, now closed, through the conductor 285 and the invert relay Bid? to ground. The energization of the relay Ill? causes its normally open contacts It'la to close, and its remaining contacts RIQ'Ib to Rlllk to transfer. The closing of the contacts IQ'Ia completes a circuit from the power line I5I through cam contact I45, contacts HIGH: and the hold coil of relay RIG'I to ground. Relay RIsl is held energized through cam contact hi5 until the end of the twelfth machine interval in the following machine cycle. It will be noted that as a result of the transferring of the contacts RIQ'Ib to Rlfil'k, each of the segments I9 1 is disconnected from its normal conductor i238 and connected to the conductor I98 representative of the 9s complement of that segment. As a result, the negative number represented in the add device is recomplemented to effect a printing of the total in the device in its true number form.

Counter reset If it is desired to reset the counting device to zero at any time, a reset key 2B"! is depressed. With the reset key depressed, a circuit is completed at the thirteenth cycle point of the machine cycle from the power line I51 through cam contact I43, the normally open side of contacts RI 52a which are closed at this time, the reset key contact 201, the conductor 253 and reset relay RIHS to ground. The energization of the reset relay RI'IB causes its normally open contacts Rllfia to close, its normally open contacts RIIGZ) to close, and its contacts RI to Rlllii to transfer. The closing of the contacts Rlliih completes a circuit from the power line I5I through cam contact I45, conductor I69, the contacts Elli-5b, and the hold coil of the reset relay RI'Ifi to ground. Relay RI'IE is held energized through cam contact I45 until the end of the twelfth cycle point of the following cycle. Durin the following machine cycle, pulses from cam contact I48 are delivered from the power line IEI through cam contact I46, the normally closed side of contacts RI64c, the conductor 2% to the contact insert Ilii of each of the orders of the counting device. It will be remembered that a contactor I I! normally connects the contact insert E I 9 with the contact insert I28 at each counter position unless that counter mechanism is registering zero. If a zero is represented in a counter device, the related contactor i I? is displaced by the operation of the carry lever Isl: so that it interconnects related contact insert I 2I to contact insert I22. With the contactor II 'I interconnecting contact insert H9 and insert I2c, pulses from cam contact I46 are directed through a related conductor 2 Iii, the normally open side of the related contacts RliGc to RITBh, now closed, through the related conductor I81 and the coil 48B of the related control magnet 48. Each of these pulses from cam contact I45 advance the related counter one position. As the counter advances into its zero position, the carry lever H35 is operated as previously explained to effect the displacement oi the related contactor I I! so that it is shifted from engagement with the contact inserts is and lZfi into engagement with the inserts iZi and 522. This shifting of a contactor I ll prevents any remaining pulses from cam contact I ie reaching the related control magnet. Thus, at the end of the eleventh machine interval of the reset cycle, each accumulate device should be in its zero position.

A test operation is performed during the first part of the twelfth machine interval of the reset cycle to determine if counters have been reset to their zero position. It will. be remembered that if a counter is in its zero position, the associated contactor 95 engages contact inserts Hi9 and Ill! indicated in Fig. 100. The contact insert of one order of the device is interconnected to the contact insert Hi! of the next higher order of the device as will be evident from an examinaticn'oi' Fig. 106. Consequently, if the counters are all in their zero position, their related contactors 95 are in effect connected in series. This permits a zero test circuit to be completed during the first half of the twelfth cycle point of the reset cycle. The circuit extends from the power line It! through the cam contact the normally closed side of contacts the conductor I15, the normally open side of contacts Ril'tli, still closed at this time, a conductor iii. to the contact insert 10! of the units order counter, the related contactor S5 to the contact insert it, the series connected tens, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, and hundred thousands order contactors 95, through the zero test relay R2 i l to ground. The energization of relay Rzi i causes its normally open contacts R'Hdc to ciose, and its normally closed contacts RZhtb point to open. The closing of the contacts El ie completes a circuit from the power line 55! through cam contact M5, conductor 59, the contacts R2 laid, the hold coil of the zero test relay R2 it to ground. Relay RZM is held energized through cam contact M5 until the end of the twelfth cycle point in which it was energized. With the normally closed contacts Rii lb open during the twelfth cycle point of the reset cycle, energization of the error relay R216 is prevented thus signifying that all counters are reset to zero.

However, if one of the counters had not been reset to zero, the Zero test relay pick up circuit through the six contactors 95 is open. As a result, the zero test relay R2! is not energized. With the zero test relay unenergized during the twelfth machine interval of the reset cycle, a circuit is available during the latter part or the twelfth machine interval from the power line l5i through cam contact I42, now closed, a conductor zl'i, the normally open contacts RliSa still closed at this time, the normally closed RZMb contacts and the error relay R216 to ground. The energization of error relay R2i6 causes its normally open contacts R2 Ilia to close and its normally open contacts RZltb to close. The closing or" the contacts R2 I 6b completes a circuit from the power line I5I through the contacts 21th and an error light 2 It to ground. The closing or" the contacts R2l6a completes a circuit from the power line 15! through a normally closed error reset contact 218, the contacts Zita and the hold coil of R216 to ground. The error relay is held energized and. the error light remains energized until the hold circuit of the error relay is broken by a depression of the error reset key 2|9.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An accumulating unit comprising in combination, a ratchet accumulator wheel, a spring biased pivoted lover, a pawl pivoted to said lever and adapted to engage said ratchet wheel, a continuously reciprocating member having a pin projecting laterally therefrom into the plane of said lever, means to latch said lever in a position free of the reciprocation path of said pin, and means to release said latch device thus permitting the lever to engage and follow said pin for one reciprocation to effect a single tooth displacement of said ratchet wheel.

2. An accumulating device comprising, in con bination, a plurality of denominationally ordered ratchet wheels each being adapted to be advanced into any of a plurality of rotative positions to represent different amounts, a continuously reciprocating driving member extending adjacent all of said ratchet wheels, a pin projecting from said driving member near each of said wheels, a spring biased lever for each of said denominational orders, said lever having an extending arm projecting into the plane of the related pin or" said driving member, a pawl pivoted on each of said levers and adapted for cooperation with the related ratchet wheel, means normally latching each of said levers in a position with said arm clear or the reciprocating path of said related pin, and means to release each of said latches thus permitting said related lever to engage and follow the reciprocating movement of the related pin for one cycle to effect a single tooth advance of the related ratchet wheel.

3. A plural order accumulating device comprising, in combination, a plurality of denominationally ordered accumulating wheels each having ten possible digit representing positions, a continuously reciprocating driving member eX- tending adjacent all of said accumulating wheels, a pin projecting outwardly from said driving member near each of said wheels, a spring biased lever for each of said wheels, said lever having an extending portion projecting into the plane of the related pin of said driving member, a driving pawl pivoted on each of said levers and adapted to operatively engage the related accumulating wheel, means normally latching each of said levers in a position with its said arm clear of the reciprocating path of said related pin, and an electro-magnet to release each of said latches thus permitting said related lever to engage and follow the reciprocating movement of the related pin for one cycle to eilect a single unit advance of the related accumulating wheel.

l. An accumulating device comprising, in combination, a counting wheel, a continuously reciprocating driving member, a coupling device interposed between said driving member and said counting wheel, means normally latching said coupling member in an inoperative position to maintain said wheel disconnected from said driving member, a magnet for releasing said latching iieans, a source of equally spaced impulses, and record controlled means for selectively directing one or more of said impulses to said magnet, each of said impulses rendering said coupling means effective for one reciprocation of said driving member to advance said counting wheel a unit amount.

5. An accumulator unit comprising, in combination, a plurality of denominationally ordered accumulating wheels each being adapted to be advanced to any of a plurality of rotative positions, a continuously reciprocating driving member, a coupling means interposed between each of said wheels and said driving member, means normally latching each of said coupling members in an inoperative position with said related wheel disconnected from said dri ing member, means for tripping said latching means wherein said coupling member is rendered eilective for one reciprocation of said driving member resulting in the related Wheel being advanced to its successive rotative position, and transferring means actuated by each of said wheels as it is rotated through a predetermined rotative position and adapted for tripping the latching means 01" the successive higher order accumulating wheel.

5. A decimal accumulator comprising, in combination, a plurality of denominationally ordered counting wheels adapted to be rotated into any one of ten rotative positions, each position having distinctive decimal significance, a continuously reciprocating driving ember, coupling means interposed between each of said counting wheels and said driving member, said coupling devices being normally inoperative, electrically controlled means including a magnet for rendering any of said coupling means effective for one reciprocation of the driving member wherein the related counting wheel is advanced to the next succeeding decimally significant position, a cam mounted on each of said wheels, a lever operated by each cam and assuming a first position when the wheel is at any position representative of the decimal values 1 to O9, and temporarily assuming a second position when the wheel passes from 9 to O; and circuit means including contacts closed by said lever when in said second position for energizing the electrical control means of the succeeding counter.

7. In an accumulating unit having an accumulating wheel which is to be advanced to any of a plurality of rotative positions to represent different amounts, including in combination, a continuously reciprocating driving member, coupling means interposed between said driving member and said Wheel, said coupling means being normally in an inoperative condition with said wheel accordingly disconnected from said driving means; an impulse responsive device for rendering said coupling means operative for one reciprocation of said driving means for each impulse received wherein said wheel is accordingly advanced to the succeeding rotative position, a source of equally spaced electrical impulses, and record controlled means for selectively directing one or more of said impulses to said impulses responsive device to effect advance of said wheel in accordance with the number of pulses selected.

8. The mechanism of claim 1, further characterized by means for electrically indicating the rotative position of said wheel, said means comprising a plate of insulating material having conductive contact inserts therein on each side thereof, said contact inserts being arranged in a circular fashion around an opening through said sheet; an insulating bushing operativel linked to said wheel for rotation therewith but free for movement in an axial direction relative to said wheel, said bushing extending through said opening in said plate; a first spring contactor secured to the outer end of said bushing and adapted to bear against the outer surface of said plate to interconnect particular diametrically opposite contact inserts thereon as determined by the rotative position of said wheel; and a second contactor secured to the inner end of said bushing and adapted to bear against the inner surface of said plate to interconnect diametrically opposite contact inserts thereon as determined by the rotative position of said Wheel; wherein said bushing by its freedom of movement in an c rection relative to said wheel permits said and second contactors to continuously ad ust themselves to irregularities in wear of the plate, contact inserts, and the contactors thus posi tively maintain electrical contact with said contact inserts.

9. In an accumulating unit having a pl rality of denominationally ordered accumulating wheels each of which is adapted to be rotated into any of ten decimally representative rotative posi ions to represent various amounts, including in c bination, a continuously reciprocating driving member, individual coupling devices interposed between each of said wheels and said divin member, said coupling means being no 9 in an inoperative condition with said rela' accordingly disconnected from said driving coupling means operative for one reciprocation of said driving means for each impulse received, wherein said wheel is accordingly advanced the succeeding rotative position; means for reading a succession of records for designations representing amounts, means for reading said rec- LS for control designations representing the alge braic signs of the related amounts prior to the reading of the amounts, a source of eleotr'cal impulses, counter entry means for directing s d impulses to any or all of said impulse responsive devices in accordance with the amounts read by said first reading means, and means associated with said counter entry means for causing said impulses to be entered additively into said accumulator as determined by the prior reading a positive algebraic designation in that record by said second reading means, and for can .ng said impulses to be entered subtractively in Ss complement form as determined by the prior reading of a negative designation in that record by said second reading means.

10. An accumulating device comprising, in com-- bination, a plurality of denominationally ord accumulating wheels adapted to be rotated into any one of ten decimal maniies ing positi continuously reciprocating driving means com-- mon to all of said wheels, impulse responsive means interposed between each of said wheels and said driving member for connecting said related wheel to said driving member for one reciprocation of the latter for each impulse re-- ceived, each reciprocation of the driving member when so connected advancing the related wheel to manifest the next succeeding digit,

means for creating a succession of ten impulses, record controlled means for selectively directing one or more of the first nine of said impulses to said impulse responsive devices to eiTect advance of the associated wheel in accordance with the number of impulses selected, individual carry devices associated with each wheel and rendered operative when said wheel advances into its 0 position for later directing the tenth impulse to the succeeding order impulse device to eiiect tens carry, and means common to all of said counter orders for restoring said carry devices to an inoperative position after carry time.

11. An accumulating device comprising, combination, a plurality of denominationally ordered accumulating elements adapted to be displaced into any one of ten decimal manifesting positions, a continuously reciprocating driver common to all of said elements, impulse responsive devices interposed between each of said elements and said driver for connecting said related element to said driver for a single reciprocation of the latter for each impulse received, each reciprocation of the driver when so connected displacing the related element to a position representative of the succeeding digit, means for creating a succession of ten impulses, record controlled means for selectively directing one or more of the first nine of said impulses to said impulse responsive device to effect displacement of the associated element in accordance with the number of impulses selected, individual carry devices associated with each of said element for directing said tenth impulse to the succeeding element when required to effect 10s carry, resetting means for directing said impulses to each of said elements when reset is required, and means associated with each of said elements and rendered effective as it reaches it 0 position for preventing further application of said impulses to that element during reset operations.

Number Name Date Lake et a1. Aug. 30, 1949 

